2018 had some really big films, but it was often the smaller movies no one had heard of that were the most affecting or that surprised me and brought me the most joy. It's impossible to see every film from 2018, but I am so grateful that I got to see almost all that I wanted to - even if it did take me until the end of January!
These are my favourites - with notes on my top ten (without spoilers) and why I chose them. I hope you enjoy my list. As always, I would love for you to comment on my list and let me know which films you loved last year.
*Coco, I Tonya and Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing Missouri were released in the US in 2017.*
*Coco, I Tonya and Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing Missouri were released in the US in 2017.*
Here's my Fave Films of 2018:
1. Paddington 2
"Aunt Lucy said, if we're kind and polite the world will be right."
Coming right at the beginning of 2018 here in the States, this film, like Aunt Lucy, grabbed me in a big warm bear hug and wouldn't let go. The first Paddington back in 2015 was fun, silly and warmhearted, but this just cranked it up to 11 making me shed more than one joy-filled tear. The cast were having a great time making this and it showed. Hugh Grant in particular was in sparkling form as a has-been actor hoping to get back on top by any means necessary - even if it means sending poor innocent Paddington to prison. It is here where the story takes off as our fuzzy, Peruvian friend encounters Knuckles McGinty played brilliantly by Brendan Gleeson who has a plan to break out of prison and get Aunt Lucy's birthday present. I have seen this at least four times this year and it still delivers on every level, making it my absolute fave film of 2018. While its still cold why not treat yourself to a marmalade sandwich and hot cuppa tea and enjoy this joyous adventure.
2. Mission Impossible: Fallout
"You use a scalpel, I prefer a hammer!"
Ever since 2011's fourth mission (Ghost Protocol), this series has gone off in a big big way. From climbing the world's tallest building to hanging on the side of a plane for real in Rogue Nation - Tom Cruise has become the greatest action star/stuntman on the planet. He brings real danger to the popcorn flick like no other would even dare to. So to say that the latest installment - the 6th Mission Impossible film - is the most thrilling and the best of the bunch is truly amazing. This film is why we go to the movies- it’s pure spectacle and edge of your seat entertainment from start to finish. You won't believe what you are seeing but you won't be able to turn away from the screen. Rebecca Ferguson, Simon Pegg and Co. are back on superb form, but this time Henry Cavill is here to spoil the party and his ARMS reload!!
3. Molly's Game 
"You know what makes you feel okay about losing? Winning."
Another film that came early in the year that just resonated with me for a long time. This is the true story of former Olympic skier who, due to injuries, gives up the slopes and gets embroiled in the most exclusive high end celebrity poker games in LA and NYC. Molly is as smart as they come and so is the dialogue by Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network and my personal favourite 2011's Moneyball). It is so quick and dizzying at times that you will need to take a deep breath. It's this screenplay and the sensational performances of Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba that elevate this story of success, excess and subsequent fall that make this rise above so many similar stories that are put to film.
4. Game Night 
"You're like a double threat. Brains... and you're British!"
Game Night was a hilarious surprise of a film. Once it got going past it’s awkward and definitely R-rated start it became funnier and even more ridiculous. This will have you jumping, squirming and laughing throughout. Jason Bateman and especially Rachel McAdams were excellent as the main couple who were funny, sweet and believable. It also boasted some of our faves from TV: Friday Night Lights (Kyle Chandler and Jesse Plemons) and New Girl’s Lamorne Morris (“Winston”)!
"Your father will protect you. Your father will always protect you."
Oh my days this film had us on the edge of our seats! Real life married couple Emily Blunt and John Krasinski (we love Jim, I mean him) and their family live in a future where you cannot make a sound. Why? Because there are blind monsters that hunt by what they hear. Cue hand squeezing tension to the max! Thankfully this is more suspense thriller than super scary horror and we enjoyed it thoroughly.
"Dude, you're embarrassing me in front of the wizards!"
Man I have never seen a movie where people have clapped, cheered and gasped so much! 10 years and 18 films have led to this point, hence all the excitement and it was warranted. This could have been X-men: Apocalypse all over again, thankfully this is superior in every way. Thanos was truly menacing but he wasn't a one note villain. Yes, there were dozens of characters but every one had their moment without it feeling overwhelming. In fact it was an absolute joy to see different combinations of heroes bickering at one another whilst trying to work together. There were so many punch the air scenes. It felt epic and it still had room for tons of laughs. It is obviously a two part story, much like Empire Strikes Back; this ends with tons at stake and so much more still to fight for! This film will thrill you but will also shock you as our heroes face something they are ill prepared for. Roll on April 26th and Avengers: End Game.
"I'm not talking about making a living. I'm just talking about living."
Robert Redford lights up the screen like the Hollywood star he is. This could be his final role and it was made for him. A charismatic bank robber who everyone loves, even Casey Affleck's detective who is tracking him down. This is a gentle film that doesn't rush along but slows down and allows you to sit with these rich characters and enjoy the small moments. One of the scenes I enjoyed the most was when Redford's character Forrest Tucker takes Sissy Spacek's character Jewel out for coffee and he opens up about being a bank robber. This film put such a smile on my face!
"The greatest thing that we can do is to help somebody know that they're loved and capable of loving."
We sadly didn’t have Mister Rogers in England growing up and I had never seen his show. But watching this documentary of his life I was instantly won over. His mission was simple but so important - help children know they are loved. He was adamant in his desire to treat children with respect, kindness and dignity and not belittle them. Fred Rogers is now my hero and we certainly could do with more people like him in the world today.
"You will always feel fear, but over time you will realise the only way to truly manage your fear is to broaden your comfort zone."
A breathtaking documentary that focuses on the incredible rock climber, Alex Honnold. After years of training, he decides that he will be the first ever person to free solo climb (using no ropes) El Capitan, a 3,000ft granite rock face inside Yosemite National Park. Somehow a crew of talented climbers capture his historic journey, a true marvel of human achievement. If, like me, you have a fear of high open spaces or falling, this will test your nerve to the very last finger nail. But it's worth the anguish, I promise.
10. Spider-man: Into the Spiderverse
"Wherever I go, the wind follows. And the wind... smells like rain."
I really did not care to see this, but boy was I glad I did as it was so funny, creative to the max, and the music was brilliant. I mean it had DJ Shadow and Blackalicious, come on! Yes I know it’s another Spider-Man film I get it, but go check it out, you will not be disappointed. This is not just another origin story of Peter Parker, this has tons of different versions of Spider-Man from other dimensions including Spider-Ham and Spider-Man Noir played by Nic Cage! This film has a whole lot of heart and the soul of the story is Shameik Moore's character Miles Morales who you will completely love.
Honourable Mentions:
Green Book
This is one of the last films I saw and I just loved it. Set in the 60's this sees Viggo Mortensen's NY tough guy Tony Lip take a job as driver to Mahershala Ali's Dr. Don Shirley. Dr. Shirley is a world renowned classical pianist on his tour down to the American South when racial hatred was at boiling point. What unfolds is a story of two opposites and how they become friends as they have to face their own shortcomings and overcome pride and so much more. This is a real crowd pleaser and well worth your time.
Hostiles
A brutal and at times beautiful look into the old West and the souls of those who made it their home. This is a tough watch right from the start and raw emotions of anger, hatred and revenge fill all we see as two opposing parties are thrust together reluctantly. But slowly through each travail, obstacle and countless tragedies a glimmer of hope is ignited. Dare you trust it though? The cast is exceptional, the scenery stunning and danger is ever present.
They Shall Not Grow Old
A truly remarkable documentary about The Great War, Peter Jackson and his digital wizards restore 100 year old film and audio to create this singular cinematic piece of history. You will be surprised to see and hear that these teens (some only 14 or 15 years of age) were honoured and overjoyed to serve, I was not expecting that! I always thought it would be dread and fear that would have been the overarching emotions on screen. This really brings the life of a soldier "Tommy" to life. A must watch!
Leave No Trace
A simple and deeply affecting story of a traumatized military veteran who, with his teenage daughter, live in the Portland, Oregon forest. They think they are off the grid, but once found, are forced to rejoin society. But for how long? Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie are simply brilliant as father and daughter and have great chemistry; you will be thinking about their performances and this film for days.
Widows
A slow burn drama-thriller that packs an emotional punch thanks to its incredible cast and story. Chicago politicians, gang members and bank robbers cross paths, but it's four women with a plan that hope to come out on top, but at what cost? Steve McQueen's direction is occasionally awkward (opening scene, ew), but often masterful in creating the geography or the fear or the feeling of hopelessness in each scene or situation. Colin Farrell is sleazy, Daniel Kaluuya is terrifying, but this is Viola Davis's film - she absolutely bosses it.
BlackKKlansman
This is a true story of an African-American policeman who infiltrated the KKK in the ‘70’s. This is a hard film to describe as the tone changes frequently between a serious thriller full of dread and a black comedy. John David Washington has his father Denzel's onscreen presence and gets caught between activists and evil (yet laughably stupid) racists to dramatic effect. This has a lot to say about today’s issues and ends in a gut-wrenching way.
Bohemian Rhapsody
A fun zip through the life and career of Queen, but mainly Freddie Mercury who is played brilliantly by Rami Malik. Yes, it leaves a lot out of the story and although funny, the rest of the band aren't very well fleshed out. But the last 20 minutes will win you over and leave you cheering as they perfectly recreate Live Aid from Wembley Stadium.
Quincy
A sweary, fascinating (if slightly rose-tinted) documentary about a truly remarkable man. Quincy Jones worked with the greatest musicians including Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson and he changed the music industry forever. This is directed by Rashida Jones (Ann Perkins!) who is Quincy’s youngest daughter, giving us incredible family access, which is often sweet. But due to her father’s poor health and unrelenting work ethic, it is sometimes full of heartache too. His stubbornness has undoubtedly made him famous, but at the expense of those closest to him.
Black Panther
This cultural phenomenon boasted a killer soundtrack, an amazing cast including Danai Gurira's Okoye and Michael B. Jordan's instant cult favourite Erik Killmonger and it also taught us "Wakanda Forever". There is so much to love here; okay, maybe some of the CGI isn't the best, but this is a solid and enjoyable adventure. Although it sits in Infinity War's shadow, it still has so much to offer that we haven't seen before in the Marvel universe.
First Man
This was the last film I saw from 2018 and it was deeply affecting. From the opening scene where Ryan Gosling's Neil Armstrong bounces off the earth's atmosphere to the scenes with Claire Foy and his boys at the dining room table, this film had my attention. It revealed the real cost in the "Space Race", countless funerals for colleagues, family and friends. This made the accomplishments even more incredible, especially as the state of the art equipment was far from what we think of when we ponder traveling in outer space. This was a very human tale and it didn't rush through the loss or grief to get to the next test shuttle scene. So don't expect bombastic action scene after scene; this is far more thoughtful and gives a great insight into the life of the first man to ever set foot on the moon.
The Best of The Rest:
*Instant Family, *Ralph Breaks the Internet, *A Star is Born, *Fahrenheit 11/9, Ready Player One, The Post, Early Man, Deadpool 2, The Incredibles 2, Crazy Rich Asians, A Simple Favor, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Sicario: Soldado, Overlord, Creed II, Vice and The Mule.
So So Movies with Moments of Magic... Just Not Enough:
*Bumblebee, *The Sister Brothers, Mary Poppins Returns, Eighth Grade, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Oceans 8, Tag, The Meg, Ant-man and the Wasp, Adrift, Bad Times at the El Royale, American Animals, Halloween, Outlaw King and Make Us Dream.
Disappointing, was hoping for so much more:
*Welcome to Marwen, Christopher Robin, Red Sparrow, The Predator, Small Foot, Hold the Dark and The Night that Comes for Us.
*Slaughterhouse Rulez, Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle, The 15:17 to Paris, Blockers, Hotel Transylvannia: Summer Vacation, Peter Rabbit, A Wrinkle in Time, The Spy Who Dumped Me and Mandy.
Yet To See:
Summer in the Forest.
What were your fave films of 2018?
